ChristianMilitaryWives

     Lord Save Us From Your Followers will be released on DVD April 20, 2010.  This is a humorous and insightful documentary about how America views Christians.  It answers the question, “Why is the gospel of love dividing America?”   The film does not add to the fight between “Us” vs. “Them”, but has a conversation with those who believe and oppose the Christian faith.  It is very entertaining and is meant to wake the Church up to see how others view our tactics.                                  

 

“No one ever converted to Christianity because they lost the argument.”

                                                              -Phillip Yancey, author, Rumors of Another World

 

     Lord Save Us From Your Followers is a thought provoking documentary that demonstrates how Americans view Christianity.  It does not add fuel to the fire, but shows both sides and how their tactics are being viewed from the other side.  It is very surprising that statistics show that 9 out 10 Americans claim to be Christian.  So what’s all this “Cultural Wars” fighting about?   The writer/director, Dan Merchant, explains that a lot of the groups, in this so-called fight, cannot think outside their own beliefs.  Most are not willing to have a conversation with anyone from the other side, so we just shake our fists and scream our beliefs expecting to be heard.  I can not see any evidence that this is working.  People are talking about Christians from Politicians to athletes and preachers to students, but are they speaking of them positively?  This film uses interviews on the streets, with people opposing Christianity, with celebrities, and even an unusual confessional booth to show how each side sees the other.  It makes viewers stop and really think about how Christianity is being portrayed and is this how Jesus would approach it?  But some believe today there are so many issues – homosexuality, abortions, various other religions – how can we get our values across?  Through the interviews you will see that we are not doing it very well!  I think Dan Merchant says it best “I found that most people that have a problem with Christians don’t have a problem with Jesus!”

 

     Lord Save Us From Your Followers is a must see for both Christians and non-Christians.  It does not condemn either side, but in fact shows how we can improve our relationships.  Isn’t that what Christianity is all about?  It proves that actions speak louder than words and that whoever screams the loudest does not win!  How did Jesus’ message of compassion, love, mercy, and empathy turn into fighting?  This film clarifies that as Christians we must act like Him!  Please visit www.lordsaveusthemovie.com to find out more information.

Letters to God, an inspiring faith based film, opens in theaters April 9, 2010.  The story is extremely touching, inspired by a true story, and the hope beyond the movie is unstoppable.  The message is about hope and trusting God, no matter the circumstances.  The production is high-quality with an outstanding cast and crew.  It is produced by David Nixon (Facing the Giants, Fireproof) and written by Patrick Doughtie, the actual Tyler’s father.

 

The Story

    Letters to God is the heartwarming story of a young boy’s battle with cancer and how he touches the lives of those around him.  Tyler Doherty (Tanner Maguire) is an 8 year old boy diagnosed with a rare brain cancer.  He writes letters to God asking Him to help those around him deal with his cancer.  He explains that his letters are like texting your best friend.  Tyler sees the stress his mom, Maddie (Robyn Lively) is under trying to run the family after his father passes away.  He unselfishly asks God to help his mom laugh again.  He is concerned about what his family and friends will do after he is gone.  Not once does he complain or question why he has cancer.  The postman Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey Johnson), going through his own battles with alcohol abuse and a bitter divorce, receives the letters.  He is confused with what to do with the letters at first, but finds himself on a mission for God. 

 

Beyond the movie

     Letters to God is more than just a movie; it is a movement of hope.  The official website, www.letterstogodthemovie.com, offers a multitude of information and encouragement.  There you can watch the movie’s trailer, find theaters showing the film, preorder the soundtrack, find resources about cancer, and write your own letter to God.   

 

     Letters to God is a powerful film of how one boy moves those around him to look to God for answers.  It is very well done with an experienced cast and crew.   Although the film tackles the issue of a young boy with cancer, the message is of hope.  God can use any situation to bring people into a relationship with Him, even a young boy’s letter.  See the movie, visit the website, and join the movement of hope!

 

Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer who has published many articles on sites like: faithwriters.com, christianmediaalliance.com, and extantmagazine.com. Passionate about Christian film, her desire is to get the word out about Christian movies to as many people as possible. Email signgal@faithwriters.net

Amish Grace will air Sunday March, 28, 2010 on Lifetime Movie Network (LMN) at 8 pm ET.  This movie is a touching story based on true events of tragedy, faith, and forgiveness.  An Amish community endured a great tragedy, but they never lost faith.  The scenes of prayer, faith, and forgiveness are outstanding.

     Amish Grace the movie is based on the book Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy by Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher.  On October 2, 2006 at an Amish community schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania a disturbed man upsets the peaceful community.  He enters the one room schoolhouse shooting 10 young girls, killing 5 and critically injuring the other 5 girls before killing himself.  This movie does not concentrate on the murders, but more so about the unbelievable forgiveness offered by the Amish community.  Immediately after the community was turned upside down, Amish leaders go to the home of the shooter offering forgiveness and compassion to his widow.  Even the father of one of the deceased girls offers comfort to the widow.  The movie highlights facts of the actual events that caught national media attention.  The incredible cast includes stars like: Kimberly Williams-Paisley (According to Jim, Father of the Bride) and Matt Letscher (Medium, Brothers & Sisters, Boston Legal).

    Amish Grace is extremely inspirational and illustrates that faith can overcome even the most tragic circumstances.  Luke 6:37 says, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  As Christians we are to forgive, even our enemies.  There is a lot to learn from the forgiveness in this film.  This is an emotional movie so be sure to have plenty of tissues.

     You can find out more about the book, print a study guide, find forgiveness resources, and more at www.amishgrace.com.

     Amish Grace airs Sunday March 28, 2010 on LMN at 8pm ET. Go to www.mylifetime.com to watch the movie trailer and read more about the movie.

 

Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer who has published many articles on sites like: faithwriters.com, christianmediaalliance.com, and extantmagazine.com. Passionate about Christian film, her desire is to get the word out about Christian movies to as many people as possible. Email signgal@faithwriters.net

For some reason, it is very hard to find friends here on post.  People say, "let's hang out!" but never follow through, and everyone is so absorbed with their endless cycles of deployment and homecoming, training and leave time, even though everyone seems bored, they are always too busy to just hang out, have coffee.  I've gotten to the point I almost stop inviting people over.  But, that really isn't the point of this blog...just the starting point.

As if busyness wasn't enough to contend with, I know my faith can be alienating.  I don't say anything and I don't make weird faces, but I can tell people are inherently uncomfortable using bad language in front of me, and every time I have to explain that I haven't seen a certain movie or heard a certain new pop song, it's kind of uncomfortable.  And it's not the atheists that have a problem with it, it's the people who grew up in a Christian home, people who believe but can't find the energy to care anymore.

My attitude has always been one of applicability.  I don't tell people about God or my beliefs when it is not necessary, but I don't keep it a secret either.  God is a big part of my life, the biggest part, so if a person is my friend, they hear about God, in the context of my own life.  God's mercy and loving kindness are so apparent in my life, it just kind of has to be shared.

I was talking to an unsaved friend about this the other day.  We've been friends for about 6 years, so she knows me pretty well.  I told her about the problems I have finding friends, and that I suspected part of it might be the issue of faith.  She sympathized, saying that Christianity can make people uncomfortable, or worse. 

I said, "Well, I was a Christian when I met you, and we still became friends.  She said, "I'm pretty open minded about the whole thing, and, let's face it, you're WAY more a Christian now than you were before."

When we met, I had just gotten really serious about God after a 4 year rebellious period.  I had chosen to move to a small college town with my parents to help them plant a church, I was living in a trailer behind the church, I even played on the worship team.  I had all the enthusiasm of a new Christian.  Now, I am a military wife.  I haven't found a church to go to yet, I don't do anything overtly Christian, not that I can think of, and nothing enthusiastically.

I realize that what my friend said was probably not, in her mind, a compliment, but I can't imagine anything more complimentary.  Despite my shortcomings, a person who is literally on the outside saw my growth in the Lord, my fruit, if you will.  She might not understand it, but she saw it.

It's funny how God speaks to us.  A donkey, a bush on fire, a non-believer, God can use them all.  He knows that I feel inadequate as a Christian, a wife, a mother.  He knows my failings, but also sees my maturation, even when I can't, and He found a way to tell me.  So even though my faith can be alienating, I'm glad of it.  I'm glad my life reflects God more now then it did six years ago, and I hope I continue to grow.

I just want to encourage you, that even if you don't SEE growth in your walk with the Lord, it's there.  You can't love Him and remain in the same place for long, it's part of the experience, to "come away" with Him.  And even though they'll probably never mention it, other people see it too.  Your spouse, your children, your family, your friends, they can see God in you.  More importantly, God sees through your failings and shortcomings and lethargy and apathy, and He sees where you succeed and when you overcome, through His grace and through His will.

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." -1 John 4:4

Saving God, an exciting Christian film, is available on DVD. This is an inspiring movie about making choices and finding hope. The story brings to mind the Scripture Romans 3:23 NIV “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. We all have done things in our past that we regret. But because of God’s grace we can be forgiven and change. People are capable of changing with God’s help. It was awarded five Doves from the Dove Foundation, their highest rating. Saving God has also been nominated for the 2008/2009 Time for Peace Film Award. The story is moving and the cast is very talented and well known. Grab your popcorn and enjoy an extremely entertaining and motivating movie. The Story Saving God is the story of Pastor Armstrong Cane (Ving Rhames), a recently released prisoner. He entered prison a rebellious young man, but left prison a man of God. His father had died while he was locked up and that was a turning point in his life. His father was the pastor of a small church in his hometown and now he would take over. In a very tender moment in the movie Cane visits the graves of his parents and tells his dad that he would not let him down. He will have several people from his past telling him that he can not change his violent ways. Armstrong returns to his father’s church to find that most of the congregation had left because of the decline in the neighborhood. The area was now overrun with drug dealers and violence. Armed with his love for God and a megaphone he is determined to take back the neighborhood and overcome his past. By a chance encounter he meets Norris (Dwain Murphy), a young man that is making bad choices. Cane tries to help Norris turn his life around. Norris must first decide to give up his drug dealer lifestyle. That is not so easy because he is ruled by a violent drug dealer, Blaze (Dean McDermott). Norris does not know that his teenage girlfriend is pregnant, but he wants to get his life straight. The struggle that occurs for the life of Norris is exciting and dangerous. The Actors Ving Rhames plays Armstrong Cane. He was born and raised in Harlem, New York, so he can identify with the neighborhood in the movie. Rhames also served as Executive Producer of Saving God. He is a Golden Globe winner and very experienced actor. He is also nominated for the 2008/2009 Time for Peace Actor Award for his exceptional performance in this film. Mission Impossible, Kojak, Pulp Fiction, Con Air, and Lilo and Stitch are only a few of the movies he has acted in. In this film he does an outstanding job. Ricardo Chivira is wonderful as Danny Christopher, a superficial TV preacher. It is a long way from his role as Carlos Solis on Desperate Housewives. He has had numerous guest star appearances on Monk, 24, JAG, NYPD Blue, and the George Lopez Show. Chivira is also active off screen as a breast cancer advocate. This is an issue close to his heart as his mother passed away at the age of 43 years old of breast and ovarian cancer. He is honorary spokesman in San Antonio, Texas for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The brutal gang leader, Blaze, is played by Dean McDermott. He is known for being a very talented actor and being married to Tori Spelling. His acting career includes Open Range, Kojak, Brian’s Song, Without A Trace, and the reality show Tori & Dean: Inn Love to name a few. Dwain Murphy is outstanding as Norris Johns, a young drug dealer who has a tough choice to make between being a thug and being a THUG for Christ. Murphy is best known for his role as Eric in Degrassi: The Next Generation. He has acted in many films such as Poor Boy’s Game, How She Move, and The Line. He has a passion for acting, but also enjoys basketball in his free time. Extremely talented actress Genelle Williams plays the girlfriend of Norris Johns. In the film she finds out she is pregnant and tries to find the right time to tell Norris. Williams has a long list of acting credits including The Lazarus Child, It’s a Boy Girl Thing, The Orphan, and more. In 2007 she was nominated for the Gemini Award for “Best Performance in a Leading Role” as Monica in the mini-series Doomstown. Saving God is a brilliant Christian movie. Who will save God for the souls who have lost Him? It is a quality film with exceptional actors and an amazing message. It has some violence and the subject of drug dealing so it may not be suitable for younger children. This would be a great movie for adults to share with their teens. The excitement and teen issues will keep them interested. This film expresses the topic of choices and how even those choices we make as young people can altar our life, so it is important to make careful choices. You can purchase Saving God wherever Christian movies are sold or at the movie’s website www.savinggodmovie.com.

Now available on DVD the award winning film, Fern Hill.  This Christian film is about true friendship, hope, adventure, and faith.  It takes four young boys on the adventure of a lifetime.  We all have cherished memories of our childhood friends; this film reminds us how sweet that time together was.  It has been awarded the Family Approved Seal by the Dove Foundation.  This is a great adventure film for the entire family. 

 

     Fern Hill is the tale of Colin, his best friends, and the loss of his father.  His father was a pilot and his plane disappeared when Colin was only five years old.  Although there was an investigation, nothing was ever found.  Colin and mother were forced to move on without closure.  She remarried an overbearing man that pushes him too hard.  After Colin has a vivid dream about his Dad, he devises a plan to find him or at least try.  He tells his plan to his three best friends and asks them to join him.  His friends Kenny, Seth, and Bob are going through their problems and are looking for a get away.  After debating all the obstacles and donuts, they innocently prepare for their journey.  They soon find that the least of their concerns is that they are hiking to Fern Hill in the Colorado Mountains.  They face many other challenges - fear, dark, the woods, wild animals, rain, a lost map, and the rumored madman Old Man Tyler’s cabin.  But the biggest challenge just might be facing the truths they find out about themselves. 

 

     Fern Hill was written many years ago by Cole Claassen of Agape Productions.   This may be his debut feature film, but this film is high quality.  The cast is amazing and very talented.  Many were local actors from Crested Butte, Colorado where the film was shot.  He was setting out to make this movie with almost no budget and a crew of friends and family when a friend made a small investment in the film.  Cole says that memories from his own childhood are where he got the idea for the film.  Growing up he had three adventurous best friends.  Also while in high school Claassen experienced being part of a search and rescue team for a plane crash of a friend and their family.  The poem ‘Fern Hill’ by Dylan Thomas, about childhood, also played a part in the story of this film.

 

     The next film for Agape Productions is Tennison Hopps.  Visit the movie’s website www.tennisonhoppsmovie.com.  The film is set in New Mexico Territory in 1889.  Tennison Hopps is a coming of age story about two brothers’ fight to save their family after a tragic loss.  Tennison is faced with the most difficult circumstances a young boy can imagine, and sets out on a journey across the rugged southwest to rescue his brother.  This film is a faith-based family drama about a young boy’s journey from childhood to manhood, with the help of two unlikely new friends.  At this time Agape Productions has actor Tom Berenger (Major League, Sniper, Gettysburg) attached as well as distribution offers with prominent worldwide companies.  They are currently seeking investors for financing to complete the film.  To find out more about this outstanding opportunity contact cole@agapefilmvideo.com. 

     Fern Hill is a touching story of childhood, friendship, and adventure.  The simplicity of childhood is memory we all cherish.  Simplicity like how a three day weekend away from school can make your day.  This film helps to remind us through its talented characters how great those times were.  After watching this movie, you might very well give those old friends a call. 

      Now available on DVD is the heartwarming Christian movie Clancy.   This film is a touching story of a girl overcoming horrible situations in her young life with unmovable faith.  Very entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  It has comedy, suspense, and drama.  So grab the tissues, popcorn, and Clancy for your next movie night. 

      Clancy (Christina Fougnie) is a young girl abused by her mother.  Her mother not only physically abuses her, but also blames Clancy for her not having a life or money.  She tells Clancy that her life was so much better before she had her.  Clancy runs away to avoid being taken away by social workers and hopes while she is gone her mom will get help.  On the streets she crosses paths with an angry homeless veteran, Nick (Jefferson Moore).  An immoral mayor desperate for re-election plots a devious plan to “find” the lost girl.  He includes the police chief in his plan to set up the homeless man.  With the promise of restarting his life, Nick agrees to keep the girl out of sight.  But when a loan shark corners Nick, he and Clancy escape to the country.  The corrupt mayor now sets his sights on a more shocking alleged rescue/manhunt across county lines. 

 

    Clancy is an emotional rollercoaster.  Viewers will hold their breath in suspense, laugh, and cry.  Clancy is a positive child and even though she is abused, she does not let anything get her down.  She says “Bad things are always going to happen, but being miserable doesn’t have to.”  She explains the Gospel to Nick in an easy to understand and effective way.  The simple truths that Clancy explains to Nick are what bring the two of them together.  As the young girl grows on the homeless veteran he discovers that he wants to care about another person and his own life again.  Because of some strong topics – abuse, runaway, homelessness, bribery, etc. it may not be suitable for younger children.

 

    Clancy is a high quality film and the entire cast is extremely talented.  This is the first starring role for Christina Fougnie, but viewers will only see a professional young actress.  The writer (Jefferson Moore) also plays Nick in the film, does an outstanding job.  The production is very entertaining and brings the reality of the story to life.  You can find out more about Clancy and purchase the DVD at the movie’s website www.clancymovie.com.

 

     Now available on DVD, the Christian thriller, C Me Dance.  This film takes viewers on an emotional journey.  It is moving and suspenseful with a strong message of hope and salvation.  The film explains that all of us have a God given purpose whether we are aware of it or not.  It is described by the writer, Greg Robbins, “as a chick flick with the devil in it”.

 

     C Me Dance is the story of a teenage girl, Sheri (Christina DeMarco) that has danced most of her life.  When she was just a baby, she and her mother were in a suspicious car accident, in which her mother died.  Since then her father, Vince (Greg Robbins) has raised her by himself.  She has always dreamed and trained to dance for the Pittsburgh Ballet.  Her dream of dancing is cut short when she finds out she has cancer.  Unfortunately the disease is too advanced for any treatment to save her.  This is devastating for her and her father.  They pray asking God for strength and they receive that and more.  They discover that God has chosen Sheri to save those around her.  God gives her the ability to touch a person and they experience the power of Christ.  The devil finds out and tries everything to stop her.  Sheri and her fathers’ faith are all they need.  The devil tells them to stop and he will leave them alone.  This is one fight they are not willing to give up.

 

     C Me Dance was written and directed by Greg Robbins of Uplifting Entertainment.  Uplifting Entertainment is a Christian production founded by Greg Robbins.  This is the first film created by this production company.  Although this is the first film for the production company it is not the first for Greg Robbins.  He has been involved in radio, television, theatre and film since 1975.  Uplifting Entertainment has also released a wonderful documentary, Christmas Unwrapped.  This documentary explores the history of Christmas and explains the ‘true’ meaning of Christmas.  To find out more about Uplifting Entertainment and other films go to www.upliftingentertainment.com.

 

     C Me Dance is an extremely thrilling and inspiring story.  The scenes of the devil may be disturbing for young viewers.  This film keeps viewers on the edge of their seat.  It is an outstanding production with amazing dance performances and the theme song is incredible.  To watch the trailer and purchase the DVD go to the movie’s website www.cmedancethemovie.com.  Also the DVD may be purchased at www.christiandvdstore.com.

Can We Talk? – A Movie with Racing Roots

By Dana Chaffin

 

     On June 6, 2009, Can We Talk was released on DVD.  This Christian movie explores sharing our burdens with others.  As Christians we are instructed to encourage one another.  Through the characters in this film you can see how God moves people into our path to help us.  The movie’s story is just one part of the message.  The story behind the filmmakers and the ministries that stream from that partnership make the message even stronger. 

 

The Movie

      Can We Talk is the story of a young man, Nate, who is trying to not only finish his senior year of high school, but also care for his younger sister.  With no known father and an absent mother, Nate is left to provide for the household.  The people in Nate’s community see him as nothing more than a trouble-maker, bad influence, & worthless, so he lives up to their expectations.  He has made bad choices in trying to survive and ended up in trouble with the law.  He only asks for help when pressured by losing custody of his sister.  His help comes from a stranger, Aaron who takes responsibility for Nate and tries to help him find his way.  He asks that Nate be able to do community service at the Kansas Auto Racing Museum with him.  Aaron is troubled by guilt of a tragic racing accident in his past.  He asks God to give him someone to help and that is what he got, Nate.  Aaron finds that he may be the one who gets help from Nate.  Together they overcome their troubles and become close friends.  This is a touching story of how God puts people in our lives to help us deal with tough times.  But are we listening?

 

Behind the movie

     Can We Talk is the full-length film by Covenant Films, LLC and Emmanuel Pictures.  Emmanuel Pictures is the movie ministry of Emmanuel Church in Abilene, Kansas.  The partnership of Covenant Films and the church was a joint decision between filmmaker Doug Thompson and the congregation.  They knew that this project was an adventure too big to handle alone, so approximately 60 church members joined the team.  The group was used to help with building the set, serving food, holding the team accountable, and lots of prayer.  Their goal was to honor God in the film.  The idea was an example from the Kendrick brothers and their partnership with Sherwood Baptist Church to form Sherwood Productions that produced movies Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Flywheel.  They hope to be able to generate funds from this film to make future films.

     Doug Thompson, Covenant Film president, is no stranger to the racing scene.  He has been racing various types of stock cars since 1969.  He has raced everything from dirt track ministocks to NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series.  He has 356 feature wins and 9 track championships.  Today Doug races a dirt track modified at Whiskey Lake Raceway in Kansas, the track featured in the film.

    Doug and his wife opened the Kansas Auto Racing Museum.  The 21-acre museum complex is located in the small town of Chapman, Kansas.  The museum holds the first NASCAR and NHRA trophies.  There are lots of restored race cars from different eras, photos and more.  For more information about the museum go to: www.kansasautoracingmuseum.org.

 

    Can We Talk has a very touching message.  The DVD includes lots of extras.  It shows the behind the scenes of making the movie and the characters.  Also it contains remarkable footage at Emmanuel Church with a special service.  It tells about Doug Thompson’s racing past and how God has been involved.  The DVD can be purchased exclusively at www.canwetalkthemovie.com.

 

Dana Chaffin is a Christian freelance writer who has published many articles on faithwriters.com. Passionate about Christian film, her desire is to get the word out about Christian movies to as many people as possible Email cajd34@netzero.com